Lindsay Stokes: Netflix’s Unconventional Approach to Tooling and SaaS Management

With Netflix’s mission to “entertain the world”, the company culture has a deep-rooted effect on how they manage SaaS. But how do you balance tool autonomy with cost-saving initiatives? In this episode, IT Asset Program Manager Lindsay Stokes sheds light on Netflix’s Freedom & Responsibility approach and how they’re addressing the abundant cost-saving opportunities at their fingertips today – and long-term.Episode Highlights[00:00 - 02:07] Episode introduction[02:43 - 06:16] Hot Takes with Thom: Why don't homegrown tools cut it for SaaS?[06:20 - 11:25] Lindsay's journey building and leading SAM at Netflix[11:40 - 13:54] Netflix employee enablement and reining in SaaS sprawl[13:55 - 15:31] The intricacies of managing SaaS organizationally: waste and redundancies[15:35 - 17:20] Netflix's process of getting actionable data with Zylo[17:23 - 19:55] The fundamentals and priorities of SaaS management at Netflix[19:57 - 22:29] Balancing cost optimization with freedom and responsibility[22:30 - 23:51] A proactive versus reactive perspective[23:55 - 26:13] Lindsay's role in helping application managers manage SaaS and spend[26:17 - 28:02] Critical ingredients for success in SaaS[28:04 - 30:43] Missteps and misadventures in addressing SaaS strategies[30:52 - 32:36] Rapid Fire